How to Bond With Baby Sugar Gliders

If you are considering sugar gliders as pets, it is important to get them while they are young for bonding purposes. Older sugar gliders can be very difficult to bond with. Baby sugar gliders, or joeys, are easier to forge a human bond with. If you are purchasing your gliders, make sure that the gliders have been handled frequently and are used to human contact. Bonding with a baby glider will take a daily commitment.

Things You'll Need

  • Bonding pouch
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Commit to at least one month of daily bonding activities to bond with your baby sugar gliders.

    • 2

      Handle the baby gliders every morning. Handle them in the morning because they'll be less inclined to be active. If you have more than one, handle them separately so the bond that forms is forming with you. Handle them carefully, remembering they can be hurt easily. Hold them cupped in your hand and speak to them soothingly. If they are active, cup the hand to form a sort of cave around them. Do not squeeze your glider.

    • 3

      Offer them treats from your hand. If they act frightened or charge as if to bite, hold your hand out flat and taut. Do not withdraw or you'll reinforce their biting habit. They won't hurt your hand even if they do try to bite. Gliders like a lot of different treats, including yogurt, which they can lick from your hand.

    • 4

      Carry the glider around in a bonding pouch. If you have more than one, carry each glider in his own separate pouch. You want the glider to feel safe with you instead of relying on a pouch-mate to feel safe.

    • 5

      Encourage the glider to go back to sleep after the morning routine. A glider who feels safe and secure will be able to sleep and this will help cement the bonding efforts.

    • 6

      Be persistent and regular with your attentions. It will take time and patience to bond with your baby gliders. Every glider has his own personality and some may be more difficult to bond with than others. Always remember to be calm and reassuring and gentle.